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Gladstone’s Albert Sanchez will step away after the playoffs, ending a 13-year tenure that will conclude with one of his best season’s ever

UPDATE: In honoring coach Sanchez, the school is inviting any past players, coaches or anyone that had a connection with Coach Sanchez to the Gladiators Football Banquet on Saturday, Dec. 1. Those interested should contact Gladstone High School 626-815-3604 for ticket information.

The worst-kept secret in the San Gabriel Valley is out, Gladstone coach Albert Sanchez will step away after 13-years in charge when the playoffs are over. After going 3-7 last year, Gladstone finished 9-1 and shared the Montview League title, Gladstone’s best finish since going 9-2 in 2005, which was Sanchez’s best season.
“The very first day on August 6 I expressed to the seniors that this was our senior year, that this was my last year,” Sanchez said. “I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. I’ve coached a lot of kids and now it’s time for me to focus on my own kids. I love everything about Gladstone and will stay here as a teacher, but it’s time to concentrate on other things.”
If Gladstone defeats visiting Mary Star of the Sea in the first-round of the Northwest Division playoffs on Friday at Baldwin Park (7 p.m), it will be the Gladiators first playoff win since 1977 and obviously Sanchez’s first playoff win as their coach. With a career record of 84-65 at the school, Sanchez never imagined his final season would be this rewarding. “It’s been a dream, I couldn’t of imagined the season coming together the way it did,” Sanchez said. “It’s been one great (memory) after another and hard to put into words because I get emotional thinking about it. But we’re not done, that’s the best part, we’ve got a playoff game on Friday that we want to win.”

Albert,
You have done so many wonderful things for the players, families, fans and coaches at Gladstone….a class act!

Grantland Rice

it’ll be their 2nd win only in the playoffs ever!

http://www.facebook.com/johnny.manrique.5 Johnny Manrique

Ben Perez would be So Proud of this squad and Especially for all of Albert”s Acomplishments and level of Dedication to GHS.

http://www.facebook.com/joann.gomez.33 JoAnn Gomez

What a awesome Coach, his love, commitment and dedication for Gladstone Football is amazing. He will truly be missed, Gladstone Football will never be the same!

Owen 55

Great job Albert, You are truly the Ultimate Gladiator. Thank You for all the great years of service to Gladstone Football and your unmatched commitment to the young men of “STONE”. From the early 80 as our ball boy to a fine student athlete to the Greatest Coach in Gladstone football history. Again GREAT JOB!

reality

At least three hc’s quit in the coverage area already. Last season how many 18 or so? I hear several good first and second year guys ready to go too. To much politics,parents and no help or back-up from the administration. It’s a new landscape for hc’s now.

sabado-gigante

Yeah, and as this is happening, Damien is working on a package for an undisclosed Head Coach ( Salter) worth an estimated 200K.

G-Stone128

Congrats Albert! Hopefully, you will have your season extended for another week.

http://twitter.com/LPHSFootball Coach Greg Vaniman

I have known and competed against Coach Sanchez for 15 years he is a great leader of young men, He is what is right with education and coaching. While he will be missed, he is leaving for a better job, being a Dad. Current and former Gladstone players are better men today because Coach Sanchez was a part of their lives.

Jerry Smith

Dear Coach:
I have never met you! But stories like this are awesome! Congrats on given so many years to the kids in your community.

G_stone 89

Coach. Sanchez is the best coach someone can ask for he’s always willing to teach players not just to be a better football player but to be a better person as well. I’m am very glad Im getting the opputunity to play with him as my coach . And im glad to be in the gladiator FAMILY!!

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